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Published on: June 18, 2021
Traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with acupuncture
Yuji Tsukazaki1, Takayuki Inagaki, Yasuo Yamanouchi
1Department of Neurosurgery, Tsukazaki Hospital, Himeji, Japan.
Headache
|June 13, 2008
Summary
Acupuncture, while generally safe, can rarely lead to subarachnoid hemorrhage. This case highlights the importance of physician awareness regarding this potential intracranial hemorrhage complication.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Integrative Medicine
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Acupuncture is a traditional therapy with a generally accepted safety profile.
- Rarely, serious complications such as intracranial hemorrhage have been associated with acupuncture.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a critical neurological event.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of subarachnoid hemorrhage following acupuncture.
- To discuss the potential implications and risks of acupuncture.
- To raise physician awareness of acupuncture as a potential cause of intracranial hemorrhage.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Literature review on acupuncture-related intracranial hemorrhage.
- Discussion of clinical implications.
Main Results:
- A case of subarachnoid hemorrhage occurred after acupuncture treatment.
- Existing literature documents few similar cases.
- The event underscores a rare but serious risk associated with acupuncture.
Conclusions:
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a rare but documented complication of acupuncture.
- Physicians should maintain awareness of this potential risk.
- Further vigilance is warranted when considering acupuncture's safety profile.
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